Stable Supply of Rice

Dear consumers (Message from Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

1. Since the 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake, shortage of rice at retail has been observed in some part of non-damaged area as well as damaged area.

2. The possiblefactors of the riceshortageare asfollowa.- Assistance supplies including rice are transported to the damaged area with priority.- Distribution system is confusing due to traffic jam and energy shortage.

3. As for rice, its productionquantity is equivalent to its demand quantity, and there is fullyenough private stock.(Private stock estimate on the end of June, just before the first harvest, is 2 million ton.) In addition to the private stock, government has 1 million ton of rice stock which is available any time. Therefore, Japan has enough rice.

4. Considered with the current situation,in order to recover smooth supply immediately,MAFF is guidingwholesalersto promote shipment and sales.

5. Dear consumers,I wouldlike to request your calm consumer behavior such as refraining from stocking up, with your smart understanding on the emergency for the damaged area.

I answer your questions.

Q1: There is no rice in supermarkets. Is there no rice in Japan? A: 1. Currently, rice shortagesituation has been lasting in some urban area such as Metropolitanarea. It is temporary shortage because of confusing distribution system. It is not necessary to worry about.

2. Japan has already secured fullyenough production quantity which is equivalentto demand quantity (8 million ton per a year), as well as fullyenough private stock.(Private stock estimate on the end of June, just before the first harvest, is 2 million ton.)

3. In addition, government has 1 million ton of rice stock which is available any time.

4. Japan has enough rice.

Q2: Where can I obtain rice? A: 1. In Metropolitanarea, rice is mostly in shortage situation.Compared with supermarket, rice shops are more accessible to rice.

2. MAFF continues to monitor the rice sales at each shop.

Q3: What is the government conducting? A: 1. In order to distribute domestic rice to Metropolitanconsumers immediately, MAFFis closely guiding rice wholesalersin their shipment and sales.

2. Cooperating with Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry, MAFF is conducting priority allocation of energy for trucks which transport rice to Metropolitanarea from all over Japan.

3. For example, on March 19,large amount of brown rice (equivalent to 1,350 t polished rice) was supplied for Metropolitanarea, and it is under polishing. Therefore, the rice equivalent to 9,450 thousands meal will be distributed to rice shops and supermarkets since March 20.

Q4: How often shouldI purchase rice? A: 1. Although rice quality is different by season or preservation methods, good taste lasts 1) 1 – 2 months for October – March 2) 1 month for April – June 3) 2 – 3 weeksforJuly– September

2. Usually, it takes about 1 month for a family with 4 people to consume 10 kg rice